UK coronavirus lockdown could last even LONGER than three weeks
BRITAIN could be on lockdown for MORE than three weeks, it was suggested today.
Northern Irish First Minister Arlene Foster said if she had to bet on it, she would say the lockdown would go on past Easter.
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Mrs Foster told the BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme matters would need to be reviewed after three weeks.
Commenting on the latest measures which will restrict people to their homes if Mrs Foster said: ";These new rules on social distancing may seem extreme but they are absolutely crucial in slowing the spread of this virus.
She said if she was a "betting person" she would think the measures will continue beyond Easter.
No10 aides told The Sun last night the shut-down was highly likely to be extended into May and possibly June unless virus fatalities substantially fall.
The Telegraph claimed police forces have been told the crackdown could last “anything up to six months, depending on how quickly positive effects are seen.”
Last week Government scientific advice suggested that the country would have to have shut down measures in place on and off for the next YEAR.
Six months of that could be a strict lock down, it was suggested.
Other countries' lockdowns are only just beginning to be lifted after weeks of being shut down.
Millions living in China are expected to be able to travel around the country again in the coming days - except for in the Wuhan province where the virus was fist discovered.
Wuhan and some neighbouring cities were put under strict lockdown on 23 January, and most people have been unable to leave their homes since.
Italy's lockdown has been extended beyond its initial two weeks, and it's expected that others across Europe will be too.
The drastic measures announced last night which will change every aspect of Brits' lives included:
- All gatherings of more than two people in public were forbidden – meaning a ban on all social events, including weddings and baptisms
- Tens of thousands of non-essential shops were ordered to close
- Communal play and exercise areas inside parks will also be shut down, but not parks themselves
- Places of worship such as churches and mosques must also shut, except to host for funerals
- Travel on roads, trains and buses was also banned, unless it’s essential to get to work.
Boris' new measures banned travel on roads, trains and buses, unless it's essential to get to work as the coronavirus death toll hit 422 with more than 8,000 cases.
What is shut and what is open?
SHUT
- all non-essential retail stores - this will include clothing and electronics stores; hair, beauty and nail
salons; and outdoor and indoor markets, excluding food markets. - libraries, community centres, and youth centres.
- indoor and outdoor leisure facilities such as bowling alleys, arcades and soft play facilities.
- communal places within parks, such as playgrounds, sports courts and outdoor gyms.
- places of worship, except for funerals attended by immediate families.
- hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses for
commercial/leisure use (excluding permanent residents and key workers).
OPEN
- supermarkets, other food shops, off licenses, food delivery and takeaway premises
- health shops
- pharmacies
- petrol stations
- bicycle shops, home and hardware stores,
- launderettes and dry cleaners
- garages & car rentals
- pet shops, corner shops and newsagents
- post offices and banks
What can I do during the lockdown?
Q. Can I go to the shops?
A. You will be allowed out once a day to get “basic necessities” like food and medicine. All other non-essential shops will be shut anyway.
Food deliveries and other online shopping will go ahead as normal, Boris said tonight.
Shops that can stay open are supermarkets, pharmacies, vets, pet shops, hardware stores, retail shops in hospitals, newsagents, petrol stations, banks, post offices, laundrettes and undertakers.
Q. Can I still go to work?
A. Yes but only if it is absolutely essential, and the work cannot be done at home.
Travel on roads, trains and buses has been banned, unless it’s essential to get to work.
Q. Will I need an ID or proof of what I'm doing outside of my home?
A. It’s not yet clear. In France and other countries where similar lockdown are enforce people have to carry out forms detailing why they are out of the house.
The PM didn't mention this in his press statement.
Q. Can the police arrest me or fine me?
A. Yes. On Thursday police will have the power to fine you up to £1000 and even force you into self-isolation if they suspect you from being ill.
New fines are also set to be put in place of £30 for refusing to obey the new measures to stay indoors.
Q. Can I have a picnic in the park?
A. No. Gatherings of more than two people outside of a household have been banned.
You will be able to jog, go for a walk or bike-ride in a park once a day.
You won't be able to go to the playground or a public gym, however, as these will be shut down. Parks will remain open.
Q: Can I get an MOT?
Garages are open for key workes to get essential repairs, including MOTs.
If you do not need your car to get to an essential job, or take care of a vulnerable relative, you should not be driving.
Q: Can I get an emergency repair done to my boiler or electrics?
Yes, but only if it's an emergency and essential to your home or safety.
Any check ups or maintenence appointments should be cancelled.
Anyone coming to your home should stay 2m away.
Q: Should I move house if I'm planning to?
If you can, stay in your home.
Gove said this morning if it's possible to put pause on your move, do so, but accepted there will be situations where people have to move house.
Q. Can I go to a Church, Mosque or Synagogue or other place of worship?
A. No. All religious gatherings, including weddings have been banned.
Only Funerals will be able to take place - and only immediate family members will be allowed to attend.